Community development model

Definition

The community development model is a strategic approach aimed at fostering social change and improving the quality of life within a community through collective action and participation. This model emphasizes the involvement of community members in identifying their needs and priorities, mobilizing resources, and implementing solutions that promote empowerment, sustainability, and resilience. By engaging stakeholders, the model facilitates a collaborative process that aligns community strengths with developmental goals, often leading to policy changes that enhance community welfare.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The community development model encourages grassroots involvement, meaning that local residents play a crucial role in identifying issues and developing strategies for improvement.
2. Effective implementation of this model often leads to sustainable outcomes, as it builds local capacities and fosters a sense of ownership among community members.
3. Collaboration with local organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders is key to enhancing resources and expertise within the community development process.
4. The model promotes social justice by addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring that marginalized voices are heard in decision-making processes.
5. Policy change is often an end goal of community development efforts, as these initiatives seek to create an environment conducive to ongoing community improvement and empowerment.

Review Questions

• How does the community development model empower individuals within a community to actively participate in social change?
  • The community development model empowers individuals by involving them directly in the decision-making process related to their needs and priorities. This participatory approach encourages residents to voice their concerns, collaborate with others, and take action towards finding solutions. By fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members, the model enhances their capacity to effect change while promoting skills that can lead to sustainable outcomes.
• Discuss the role of collaboration in the effectiveness of the community development model when pursuing policy change.
  • Collaboration is vital for the success of the community development model because it brings together diverse stakeholders who can contribute resources, knowledge, and support. By working with local organizations, government entities, and community leaders, the model amplifies voices from various segments of the population, ensuring that different perspectives are considered in the policy change process. This collective effort not only strengthens advocacy but also helps build alliances that can effectively address systemic issues faced by communities.
• Evaluate how asset-based approaches within the community development model can lead to more effective policy outcomes compared to needs-based approaches.
  • Asset-based approaches focus on leveraging existing strengths and resources within a community rather than solely addressing deficiencies. This perspective can lead to more effective policy outcomes because it cultivates resilience and fosters a sense of pride among residents. By recognizing what a community already possesses—such as skills, knowledge, relationships, and institutions—policies can be designed to enhance these assets rather than just compensate for shortcomings. This not only promotes sustainability but also encourages innovation and collaborative problem-solving among community members.

Related terms

Participatory Action Research: A collaborative research method that actively involves community members in the process of investigation and problem-solving to bring about social change.

Capacity Building: The process of developing and strengthening the skills, abilities, and resources of individuals and communities to foster self-sufficiency and resilience.

Asset-Based Community Development: An approach that focuses on identifying and mobilizing the existing assets and strengths within a community, rather than solely addressing its needs or deficits.